This position is responsible for the directing the safe and reliable real-time operation of the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the Bulk Electric System (BES). Operations include monitoring the transmission facilities, nuclear plant off-site electrical power supply and executing switching. Restores electrical power to customers following a disturbance and coordinates those activities with power distributors. Provides surveillance of the TVA transmission system to ensure all applicable North American Electrical Reliability Council (NERC) standards are followed. Evaluates, coordinates and directs all switching operations on the TVA transmission system to remove and return TVA and customer assets.
Principal Accountabilities
- Responsible to ensure TVA clearance procedure is followed to provide a safe work environment.
- Responsible for complying with NERC standards.
- Must have a current NERC certification in Transmission Operator or Reliability Operator level.
- Monitors system conditions to ensure the availability of off-site electrical power supply to nuclear plants.
- Develops and implements black-start and system restoration procedures.
- Monitors reactive reserve requirements to ensure availability meets system needs, both in real-time and anticipated.
- Ensures the safe and reliable real-time operation of the TVA transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the BES by monitoring the operating limits, developing contingency plans and directing switching operations.
- Coordinates with TVA Reliability Coordinator to alleviate System Operating Limits (SOL) and Interconnection Reliability Operating Limit (IROL) to protect the integrity of the TVA transmission system and to ensure the connectivity of the BES.
- Take real-time actions to restore customer and TVA transmission system assets to service following a disturbance.
- Coordinates and directs work with all TVA personnel, Corps of Engineers, power distributors, direct served customers and neighboring utilities.
- Write, review and direct all switching activities on the TVA transmission system.
- Coordinates with representative between Transmission, Fossil Power Group (FPG), River System Operations and Environment (RSO&E) and Nuclear Power (NP) organizations on all activities on the TVA transmission system.
- Writes and reviews scheduled outages to ensure FPG, RSO&E and NP scheduled outages have no impact on the generation needs of the TVA transmission system.
- Responsible for maintaining records of system data, system conditions, switching instructions, personnel arrival and departure from TVA substations and test performed.
- During normal and emergency conditions, has the authority to take or direct timely and appropriate real-time actions. Such actions shall include shedding of firm load to prevent or alleviate SOL and IROL violations. These actions are performed without obtaining approval from higher level personnel within the Transmission Operator or Balancing Authority.
Minimum Requirements
Education B.S. Degree in Electrical Engineering or an Associate's Degree in Electrical Engineering with 3-5 years of relay protection and field operations or equivalent experience in systems operations or Journeyman electrician or lineman with 3-5 years field experience.
Experience Must have demonstrated satisfactory performance and experience as Transmission Operator trainee.
Certification/License, etc Must have a current NERC certification in Transmission Operator or Reliability Operator level. Must be able to obtain and maintain FFD program Integrity Clearance.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities Thorough knowledge of electrical theory of large power transmission system; detailed operational knowledge of generators, transformers, power circuit breakers, relaying protection principles and switching practices. Knowledge and demonstrated ability to assess and implement operating procedures to ensure the transmission system remains in a stable and safe operating condition. Good communications skills both verbally and written. Proven leadership ability to work with others and take charge following emergencies. Required to work 12-hour rotating shifts. Candidate may be required to obtain and maintain a security clearance based on position / access requirements and essential job functions.
Tennessee Valley Authority
400 West Summit Hill Drive
Knoxville
Tennessee United States
www.tva.com
